SENATOBIA - Northwest sophomore Fernando Caro provided his team with two much-needed assists in a 3-1 Ranger victory against East Central on Sophomore Day.

With the win, Northwest improved to 2-11-1 overall and 2-4-1 in division play, keeping its playoff aspirations alive. East Central dropped to 6-11 on the season and 3-5 within the division.

Battling rain on and off throughout the match, the Rangers were able to strike first 22 minutes in, thanks to Caro's setup to Brendon Galbraith. The goal was Galbraith's third score in the last five matches.

Less than 10 minutes later, Caro connected with David Pizano in the 30th minute to help Northwest take a 2-0 lead.

Although the Rangers would catch an unlucky break off Raphael Salles' deflected free kick in the 33rd minute, Northwest stood strong on defense and preserved a 2-1 lead into the halftime break.

Both teams dialed up the offensive intensity as the second half progressed but only the Rangers would wind up with a score, as Jake Heinze earned his second goal of the season in the 60th minute to push the Northwest advantage to 3-1.

Sophomore goalkeeper and all-time saves leader Tim Spencer finished with just nine saves for the match but nearly all of his stops came in pivotal moments, including six in the second half.

Northwest will close out the regular season by concluding the remainder of its suspended match at Itawamba on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. The Rangers need a win in order to secure their first postseason appearance since 2016.